The BRITs 2011 preview

In February the UK's music industry will once again clamour for our attention, as the stars brush down their finest for The 2011 BRIT Awards.

As predictable as forgotten business cards in dinner jackets, this year already promises improvements on last year's ceremony. Annual declarations of change to The BRITs are as foreseeable as some of the nominees and usually include vows for better behaved presenters, or edgier ones (depending upon the degree of last year's controversy). Mind you However, little can be braver than 2007's Russell Brand-fronted return to the live format since 1989's autocue apocalypse of Sam Fox/Mick Fleetwood.

Last year the focus was thankfully dragged from enthroned comperes wrestling envelopes from the hands of fellow presenters, while accusing them of being drunk, and back to the music. Last year This was embodied by the now traditional BRIT duet. You got the Dirtee love between Florence and Dizzee Rascal was a huge hit and is still a radio station and festival favourite.

But things are changing this year. 2011's BRITs are the first with Universal Music's David Joseph in charge. Like any new boss, he has reappraised all aspects of the shindig, most significantly nailing his belief to the Best Album award, while resting the Outstanding Achievement award; presumably to stop Robbie Williams from winning it again (with Take That).

With almost half of the 15,000 tickets going to fans (hopefully of the winners), 2011's BRITs intends to include more music, which won't be hard after the 26 minutes of last year's 2 hour show.

David Joseph, as a music fan, plans to pull guest's tables closer to the stages, to silence the celebratory chat of previous years; any music lovers' pet hate at gigs. Presumably this isn't to accommodate Radiohead, who once stopped playing a gig until industry-types at the front put their mobile phones down, but who do have a new album out this year. Despite risks of trophies/microphones (Liam?) or even performers (Kasabian?) ending up in the canapés of nearby tables, by bringing the audience closer to the action Joseph hopes to encourage participation in the performances, which this year includes a second, more intimate acoustic stage. And it isn't only the audience pushed to be more involved, but last year's winners too, who are now expected to put touring differences with rivals aside and vote on the category panels for this years winners.

The BRITs have a good track record in highlighting upcoming talent and their savvy continues with this year's announcement of Jessie J as Best Newcomer - a singer/songwriter that Justin Timberlake has already declared as the "best singer in the world." The runners up, The Vaccines and James Blake, are equally worth keeping an eye on.

Despite alarming reports of the album's demise, they remain highly regarded by the industry,and by the fans; thus the format sits firmly at the centre of this year's proceedings, with the evening culminating in the British album of the year. Short films about the making of each album will ensure the spotlight is not simply on the winners but on all the nominees and focus on the mysterious alchemy creating an album. These films will reveal the intricacies involved in the recording process, such as the lyric writing, production decisions, and the choice of biscuits in the studio.

Since the 80s, the yearly reunion of The BRITs has enjoyed prime place in the musical calendar and is an aspect certain bands like to slag off mock, until they win something, which this year will be new trophies designed by Vivienne Westwood. Thus with this latest positive revamp, the annual frisson between talent, egos and free booze looks set to continue.